Marvel Studios has issued a statement regarding the choice of Tilda Swinton to play the Ancient One in the Benedict Cumberbatch-starring superhero movie Doctor Strange (out Nov. 4).

In the original Marvel comics, this powerful sorcerer is usually depicted as an elderly, Tibet-dwelling Asian man. In director Scott Derrickson’s film version, however, Swinton’s character is a white, androgynous figure who lives in Kathmandu, Nepal. Controversy over the casting of Swinton followed the release of a Doctor Strange teaser trailer two weeks ago, and Swinton’s casting — along with an image of Scarlett Johansson in the big-screen adaptation of manga franchise Ghost in the Shell — fueled criticism of Hollywood casting white actors in non-Caucasian roles.

Marvel’s statement, obtained by PEOPLE, reconfirms that Swinton is not playing an Asian character, but rather one whose background is Celtic.

“Marvel has a very strong record of diversity in its casting of films and regularly departs from stereotypes and source material to bring its MCU [Marvel Cinematic Universe] to life,” the statement reads. “The Ancient One is a title that is not exclusively held by any one character, but rather a moniker passed down through time, and in this particular film the embodiment is Celtic.”

The statement continues: “We are very proud to have the enormously talented Tilda Swinton portray this unique and complex character alongside our richly diverse cast.”